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🌴 Philippine Travel Essentials: What I Always Pack when I visit
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Gail H
Here's my go-to list of travel essentials, tried and tested whenever I visit my home country The Philippines.
Sections
3
 
Tropical Must Haves
 
Essentials for a Smooth Journey
 
Experiences you can’t miss when visiting the Philippines (Book Ahead!)

Tropical Must Haves

The Philippines is sunny and humid most of the year. These are my non-negotiables for staying cool and protected.

 
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Lightweight, reef-safe and perfect for island tours.
Reef safe mineral sunscreen
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Folds easily into your beach tote and protects you from the sun
Packable Sun Hats Women
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These are my mini pick-me-ups between trips and sightseeing.
Cooling face mists & wipes
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You’ll thank yourself during midday boat rides especially when the sun is so bright.
Sunglasses Polarized UV protection
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Tropical destinations like the Philippines mean beautiful sunsets and bug bites. Perfect for beach nights, jungle treks and laid-back dinners by the water.
mosquito repellent
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The Philippines has two seasons: hot and rainy. And the rain doesn’t always follow the forecast. I always pack this to stay dry and ready, and it double as a sun protection too!
compact umbrella
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Its always best to protect your tech.
Waterproof Phone Case
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Another beach essential
comfortable flip flops or sandals
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Hydrates me fast during long flights and after beach days or hikes.
Electrolyte drink packets
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Doubles as a beach cover-up, picnic mat, or temple cover-up.
Sarong
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Essentials for a Smooth Journey

These items help me stay comfy and organized 

 
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Keeps my outfits and toiletries from turning into suitcase chaos.
Compression Packing Cubes
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The Philippines uses Type A/B plugs so bring a universal one if you're coming from abroad.
Universal Adapter
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Always, always in my bag
flushable personal / bathroom wipes
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It’s a must-have for on-the-go cleanliness especially when soap and water aren’t an option. Go for one that’s quick-drying, smells great and fits right into your sling bag or even your jeans pocket.
mini hand sanitizer
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My go-to for adjusting to jet lag or winding down after a full day of exploring.
melatonin gummies
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Lifesavers on long haul international trips
travel compression socks
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Experiences you can’t miss when visiting the Philippines (Book Ahead!)

I always recommend booking a few unforgettable experiences ahead of time especially for popular spots. Here are some top-rated Philippine adventures you won’t want to miss (I still daydream about some of these!).

 
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Island hopping in Coron usually includes stops like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and Skeleton Wreck. The snorkelling here is unreal! See colourful corals, tropical fish, and World War II shipwrecks all in one day.
Palawan, Philippines - Coron Ultimate Island Day Tour
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If swimming alongside the ocean’s gentle giants is on your bucket list, then this is it. The whale sharks in Oslob are massive but surprisingly graceful. You can snorkel beside them or stay on the boat for a more laid-back view.
Cebu, Philippines - Oslob Whale Shark Watching Experience
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Join a beach-hopping tour to visit quieter spots like Puka Shell Beach and Diniwid. End your day with a paraw (sailboat) cruise at golden hour. There’s nothing quite like watching the Boracay sunset!
Boracay, Philippines - Sunset Cruise with Kayak, Paddle Board and Mermaid Tail activities
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One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this tour takes you through a limestone cave system by boat. Inside, you’ll marvel at stunning stalactites, cathedral-like chambers and eerie rock formations. It’s an otherworldly, peaceful experience.
Puerto Princesa, Philippines - Underground River Tour in Palawan
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Step back in time and stroll through the old Spanish-era walled city of Intramuros. You’ll explore cobblestone streets, visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (a UNESCO site) and Casa Manila. It’s history brought to life and a great way to learn abo...
A Step Back in Time: Intramuros Walking Tour - Manila
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El Nido is straight-up paradise. Most tours take you to secret beaches, caves, and shimmering lagoons framed by towering karst cliffs. I loved Big Lagoon for kayaking and Hidden Beach for the wow factor (you have to swim through a narrow opening to g...
Palawan, Philippines - El Nido island hopping Tour A: Lagoons & Islands
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